Troops in new drive against Taliban

About 400 British soldiers today launched an offensive on a Taliban safe haven.

The 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment supported by Afghan troops began Operation Tor Shezada — Black Prince — in the early hours of this morning.

The attacking force was guided in by soldiers from the elite Brigade Reconnaissance Force. It is believed that 200 Taliban fighters have been using the town of Sayedebad in southern Helmand as a base after being pushed out of other parts of the province when Operation Moshtarak took place in February. That operation involved British, US and Afghan troops.